86 Percent of Journalist Killings Worldwide Go Unpunished, UNESCO Says

Eighty-six percent of the killings of journalists committed around the world have gone unpunished, according to UNESCO, the United Nations' educational, scientific and cultural agency. In 2024 and 2025, a total of 189 journalists, media workers and social media content creators connected with journalism were killed worldwide.

UNESCO released the figures in a statement on Monday (November 2) marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

According to the agency, 67 percent of these killings took place in countries where armed conflict is ongoing. And in 86 percent of the killing cases there has been no judicial resolution — meaning roughly six out of every seven cases have seen no justice.

The statement said this year's global campaign theme is 'Changing threats, persistent impunity'. It highlights the shifting threats facing journalists and the lack of justice and accountability for crimes committed against them. The statement also noted that journalists' safety is essential to ensuring freedom of expression and the public's right to know.

To end impunity, the statement said, accountability for attacks must be ensured alongside effective preventive measures. Responding quickly to threats and guaranteeing journalists' safety are also essential, the agency said.

In Bangladesh, UNESCO is working to strengthen journalists' safety under the United Nations' electoral assistance project 'BALLOT', with donor support and jointly with implementing partners.

According to BALLOT documents, by September 2026 nearly three thousand journalists across the country had received training under the programme. Each training included a full-day module on journalist safety. Around 200 of those trained were women journalists, and 24 photojournalists also received training.

Ahead of the national election, UNESCO distributed 60 safety vests for journalists, four thousand journalist assistance cards and seven thousand five hundred election-reporting guidelines.

Through various initiatives involving young people, the agency is also helping build skills in understanding and evaluating visual information and in safe, responsible participation in digital spaces, the statement said.

Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO's representative in Bangladesh and head of its Dhaka office, called on the government and all relevant parties to prevent attacks on journalists, protect journalists at risk and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.